Unique partnership of local businesses bring back ‘FreeRider’ for summer holidays
Published: 25th July 2014
A free bus service for passengers visiting a range of key attractions across South Lakes returns this summer, thanks to support from a unique collaboration of local businesses and the GoLakes Travel Programme.
The South Lakes FreeRider was launched in 2010 to offer a convenient way for families to get around and make the most of the school summer holidays. Following its continued popularity with both visitors and residents, it is now back for a fourth year, linking up a range of locations on the Cartmel Peninsula with the southern end of Windermere. The timetable also connects with Windermere Lake Cruises’ scheduled sailings from Lakeside and includes a new stop at Greenodd.
The 2014 FreeRider service will run four days a week (Monday-Thursday) through the school summer holidays, from Monday 28 July to Thursday 28 August. It’s been made possible with the support of South Cumbrian businesses, along with the GoLakes Travel Programme, who have come together to finance this year’s service:
- Cartmel traders
- Haven Holidays, Lakeland Leisure Park
- Holker Hall
- Lakeside Hotel
- Lakeland Motor Museum
- Merlewood Holiday Property Bond
- Rusland Pool Hotel
- Whitewater Hotel
- Windermere Lake Cruises
- Yew Tree Barn
The service will be operated by Backbarrow-based Blueworks. Passengers will be asked for £1 to board the bus, but can simply redeem their fare against the entry costs at any of the attractions named above (or purchases at the accommodation providers).
Ian Wilkinson, from one of the participating businesses, Windermere Lake Cruises says, “This really is a unique collaboration – working on a predominately not-for-profit basis – which enables people to explore the area without worrying about the hassle of driving, parking and directions. It’s great to be part of a diverse partnership of local companies working together to link a range of family-friendly attractions with accommodation providers.”
Emma Moody, Passenger Transport Adviser for the GoLakes Travel Programme, says, “We’re keen to support this important car free link. Most importantly, the Freerider has been made possible through the support of local businesses and it is this partnership which will help make it more sustainable for the future.”
The South Lakes FreeRider will run for 5 weeks, Monday 28 July – Thursday 28 August.
ENDS
